WHAT'S A RITA?

The RITA, an award presented by Romance Writers of America, is the Oscar of romance writers-and this year’s presentation is coming up very soon! I know of very few authors who wouldn’t love to have one of these golden girls perched on her/his desk. Just finaling in this contest is a huge honor. As a former winner, I will never forget that surreal moment when my name was called and my world faded, for a split second, to total silence.

This year, 2013, Craftie Ladies are once again represented in the inspirational category of the RITA. Missy Tippens is a finalist with her wonderful book, A House Full of Hope.

And now a bow to past Craftie Ladies who have finaled or won this prestigious award:

2008 - Pamela Tracy finaled with her Love Inspired Suspense Pursuit of Justice. Pamela says, "I knew when I started this book that it was different. The story had been hammering at me for years, begging me to give it a turn. From the first page, it felt right. When it finaled in the RITA, I felt like someone had just whispered in my ear, 'Hey, you really can write.' I felt like Cinderella the entire conference.

2007 - Allie Pleiter finaled with My So-Called Love Life

2006 – Lyn Cote was one of two Craftie finalists. She had this to say. "The first book in my Women of Ivy Manor historical series, Chloe, finaled in 2006. Finaling in the RITA bolstered my confidence and helped me be more adventurous in what I write. Chloe has remained one of my most popular and controversial books. I say controversial because either readers love the heroine or hate her.

2006 - Terri Reed also finaled in the RITA in 2006 with her second Love Inspired Romance A Sheltering Love.

Linda Goodnight has finaled 5 times, including a win in 2008. The books are:

2012 – The Christmas Child

2011 - Finding Her Way Home

2011 – The Wedding Garden
2010 – The Snow-kissed Bride
2008 – A Touch of Grace – RITA winner

Have you read any of these finalists or this year’s crop of books? If so, please share which ones and your thoughts about the story.